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There’s not much worse than lying in bed at night and not being able to sleep.

Insomnia can be torturous, and those who suffer with it know all too well that sometimes counting sheep just doesn’t cut it.

However, this handy breathing exercise might just do the trick.

The 4-7-8 breathing technique was established by Dr. Andrew Weill from Arizona, who describes the method, which was inspired by yoga, as “utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere.”

Impressively, Weill also claims that the method can help people fall asleep in as little as 60 seconds.

He says this is because the 4-7-8 technique acts as a “natural tranquilizer for the nervous system,” reducing both stress and tension in the body.

So next time you’re wide awake late at night, it might well be worth giving it a go.

How do you do the 4-7-8 breathing method?

Before you start, position the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth just behind your teeth — and keep it there.

Exhale through your mouth quite forcefully — you should make a “whooshing” sound.

Close your mouth and inhale softly through your nose, while mentally counting to 4.

Hold your breath and then count to 7.

Once again, breathe completely out through your mouth in one breath, making another “whoosh” sound, this time for 8 seconds.

Inhale again and repeat the above cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.

How does the 4-7-8 breathing trick work?

The technique works by allowing your body to take in more oxygen, relaxing the nervous system and promoting a state of calm.

It also helps to rebalance the nervous system — which can often become overstimulated whenever you’re feeling stressed.

The breathing technique can also help on a spiritual level, as it can help you reconnect with your body and your breathing as well as distract you from any everyday thoughts that are preventing you from dropping off.